§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set out the work programmes of the four sub-groups of the bus working group. [17077]
§ Mr. Watts[holding answer 24 February 1997]: Three sub-groups are currently taking forward the work of the bus working group. The main items which have been considered at recent meetings, and which will be pursued in further discussions as appropriate, are as follows:
Service provision and quality sub-group: the development of quality partnerships between bus operators and local authorities; strengthening the requirement for operators to demonstrate adequate financial standing; bus headway spacing; amendments to the five-minute rule on changes to registered timetables; encouraging good practice in handling customer complaints, and taking further steps to give a higher profile to bus services and encourage bus use.Passenger information sub-group: the development of a "practitioners' manual" on good practice on passenger information to follow up the publication last September of "Better Information for Bus Passengers"; provision of national and local contact points for information on bus services and developments in transport telematics.Bus priority sub-group: updating and revising the guidance to local authorities on bus priority measures; "Keeping Buses Moving", the revised version, will be published shortly.The sub-group on vehicle quality completed its work programme for the time being when it reported to the full bus working group at the end of 1995.
§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will ensure that the bus working group reviews the adequacy of bus operating companies' complaints procedures. [17078]
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§ Mr. Watts[holding answer 24 February 1997]: Steps to promote good practice by bus companies in dealing with customer complaints are already under consideration by the bus working group and its service provision and quality sub-group.